The boys from Travis seem to have turned their faces away from the sun with their third and latest offering.
12 Memories contains none of the uplifting tracks like Happy that we were treated to on Good Feeling (1997) or anything to compare with the bittersweet Why Does It Always
Rain On Me? From The Man Who (1999).
Once the most beloved band in the UK, Travis, headed by singer Fran Healy (pictured) have had a difficult time since their last album in 2001, The Invisible Band, and 12 Memories is a response to their experiences and changed world view in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
The album kicks off with Quicksand, a guitar pop song soaked in tears. The beats and melody of Re-offender sound more upbeat, but the string arrangement creates a gloomy atmosphere. Paperclips is perhaps the most tragic song that Travis have ever written.
Those who truly love Travis will not mind sharing their sadness, but 12 Memories could be a little too grief-stricken for many.
